Triangle Brush
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9603302000 | 20.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603304000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Triangle Brush (Cosmetic Application Brush)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Is Your "Triangle Brush" a Cosmetic Tool or a General Brush?
A Triangle Brush typically refers to an angled or triangular-shaped brush used for the precise application of cosmetics (such as contouring, highlighting, or eyeliner) or, less commonly, for paint/artistic application. In international trade classification, the key determinant is its specific end-use and value per unit.
The Harmonized System (HS) distinguishes between: 1. Artists' Brushes / Writing Brushes: Generally for fine art or calligraphy. 2. Similar Brushes for the Application of Cosmetics: Brushes designed specifically for makeup application (blush, foundation, eyeshadow), often including triangular/angled shapes for precision.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the brush is explicitly marketed and used for cosmetics (makeup), it falls under heading 9603.30.
- If it is a general artistβs brush not specifically for cosmetics, it may fall under different subheadings, but the provided DATA specifically covers cosmetic application brushes.
- Value Thresholds ($0.05 vs $0.10) are critical for determining the exact HS Code within the cosmetic brush category.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided DATA)
The product "Triangle Brush" (classified as a cosmetic application brush) is split into two HS Codes based on its value per unit.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Value Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
9603.30.20.00 |
Artists' brushes, writing brushes, and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics: Valued not over 5Β’ each | Low-cost makeup brushes, bulk promotional items, basic triangle brushes | β€ $0.05 |
9603.30.40.00 |
Artists' brushes, writing brushes, and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics: Valued over 5Β’ but not over 10Β’ each | Premium makeup brushes, specialized triangle brushes, branded cosmetic tools | > $0.05 and β€ $0.10 |
π Important Note:
- Both codes refer to "Similar brushes for the application of cosmetics".
- The value is determined by the transaction value or custom valuation per single brush unit.
- If a triangle brush is valued above $0.10, it may fall under a different subheading (not in the provided DATA), so ensure accurate valuation.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Note: Tariffs include Base Tariff + Section 301 Additional Tariff (implied by "ε εΎε ³η¨")
π― 1. 9603.30.20.00 β Cosmetic Brushes (Value β€ $0.05/each)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 2.6% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% (Section 301 / Special Additional Tariff) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.1% |
| Legal Basis | USITC Tariff Schedule: Base 2.6% + Additional 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (For shipments valued over $800, but de minimis does not apply to China-origin goods subject to Section 301 tariffs if they exceed the threshold or are specifically excluded. Note: For parcels under $800, de minimis may still apply unless specifically restricted, but for commercial shipments, full duty applies.) |
π Explanation:
- The 2.6% base rate is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for cosmetic brushes.
- The 7.5% additional rate is applied due to trade tensions (Section 301).
- Total 10.1% is relatively low compared to electronics, but still significant for low-value items.
π― 2. 9603.30.40.00 β Cosmetic Brushes (Value > $0.05 but β€ $0.10/each)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% (Section 301 / Special Additional Tariff) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| Legal Basis | USITC Tariff Schedule: Base 0.0% + Additional 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Same as above) |
π Explanation:
- The base tariff is 0% for this specific subheading, making it more favorable than9603.30.20.00.
- However, the 7.5% additional tariff still applies.
- Total 7.5% is lower than the 10.1% for cheaper brushes.
- Strategy: If possible, ensure the brush value is above $0.05 to benefit from the 0% base rate, reducing the total tariff by 2.6%.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Required Documents)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Shape (Triangle), Use (Cosmetic), Material (Bristles, Handle) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Cosmetic Application Brush" and Unit Value per Piece |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include quantity and total value to calculate per-unit value |
| β Photos of Product | βοΈ | Show triangle shape and cosmetic use (e.g., with makeup packaging) |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If not from China, may reduce tariffs |
| β Test Reports | βοΈ | FDA compliance (if claiming cosmetic use) or ASTM standards for brush safety |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Crucial Keywords)
π₯ "Declare Use Clearly, Value Accurately, Avoid Misclassification!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triangle Brush for Makeup | "Cosmetic Application Brush, Triangle Shape, for Makeup" | "Art Brush" or "General Brush" | Risk of misclassification and higher duties |
| Value β€ $0.05 | HS 9603.30.20.00 |
HS 9603.30.40.00 |
Incorrect base rate (10.1% vs 7.5%) |
| Value > $0.05 β€ $0.10 | HS 9603.30.40.00 |
HS 9603.30.20.00 |
Overpayment of 2.6% base tariff |
| Value > $0.10 | Not in Provided DATA | Force into 9603.30.40.00 |
Customs may assess higher duty or penalty |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Values | If a shipment contains brushes with varying values, declare separately by HS Code to optimize tariff payment |
| OEM/White Label | Ensure the invoice reflects the actual transaction value, not the retail price |
| Gifts/Samples | If under $800 total value, de minimis may apply, but check current US CBP rules for Chinese-origin goods |
| Cosmetic Claim | If claiming cosmetic use, ensure the product is not subject to FDA pre-market approval if itβs a makeup tool (brushes generally do not require FDA approval, but the cosmetic product they touch does) |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Additional Tariff | Total (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9603.30.40.00 |
0.0% | 7.5% | 7.5% | Best option if value > $0.05 |
| π¨π³ China | 9603.30.40.00 |
10.0% (Est.) | 0% | ~10% | Varies by Chinese tariff schedule |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9603.30 |
0% | 0% | 0% | Generally duty-free for brushes |
| π¬π§ UK | 9603.30 |
0% | 0% | 0% | Post-Brexit, similar to EU |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9603.30 |
5% | 0% | 5% | Low tariff |
π Conclusion:
- USA has additional tariffs due to trade policies.
- EU/UK/Australia are more favorable for cosmetic brushes.
- For US imports, aim for HS9603.30.40.00by ensuring unit value is above $0.05.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Art Brush" for a cosmetic brush
π Consequence: May be classified under a different HS with higher duties or regulatory scrutiny.
β Mistake 2: Under-declaring value to stay under $0.05
π Consequence: If customs verifies value > $0.05, youβll pay back duties + penalties. Better to pay 7.5% than face audit.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Cosmetic" distinction
π Consequence: If declared as a general brush, it might fall under 9603.29 (other brooms/brushes) with different rates.
β Mistake 4: Not specifying unit value in invoice
π Consequence: Customs will use a default value, potentially leading to incorrect HS classification and overpayment.
β Correct Practice:
"Cosmetic Application Brush, Triangular Shape, Nylon Bristles, Plastic Handle, Unit Value: $0.08, HS: 9603.30.40.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Cosmetic Use + Value > $0.05 = 7.5% Total Tariff"
πΉ "Cosmetic Use + Value β€ $0.05 = 10.1% Total Tariff"
πΉ "Declare Correctly, Pay Less, Clear Faster!"
π Pro Tip:
If you can adjust the product pricing (e.g., sell in sets or bundle with other items) to ensure the per-unit value is above $0.05, you can save 2.6% in base tariffs. Consult with your customs broker to optimize valuation strategy.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with product photos and unit value.
π Ensure invoices clearly state "Cosmetic Application Brush" and per-unit value.
π Optimize your HS Code to9603.30.40.00for 7.5% total tariff.
β¨ Precision in Classification, Profit in Clearance!
πΌ Every cent counts in international trade!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.